Wednesday, January 25, 2012

2012 Spring Bottom Trawl Survey

If you'd like to volunteer on the 2012 Spring Bottom Trawl Survey, your help would be greatly appreciated!  You do not need to be a scientist to volunteer, but must have an interest in what we do and a willingness to work hard alongside our scientists. The information below explains how to sign up for a cruise and includes the Spring 2012 cruise schedule. Volunteers are a very important part of our program. I hope you'll be able to participate!

We need the help of every scientist and volunteer that sails.  Please be aware that we work twelve-hour shifts, which means that you may be standing on your feet for twelve hours.  Therefore, please only sign up for a cruise if you are serious about making the commitment.  If there is an emergency, or you anticipate that you will not be able to participate on a cruise that you are scheduled for, please contact me immediately. 

The required forms can be downloaded from the Ecosystems Surveys Branch website in the forms link of the Cruise Volunteer Information section:  http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/femad/ecosurvey/mainpage/   

Helpful information for new participants on what to expect at sea and what to bring on the survey can be found here:http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/femad/ecosurvey/mainpage/welcome_aboard.html

                               
A few easy steps toward volunteering on a survey!
 

1. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.  International participants must allow 5 weeks for foreign national security clearance.

2. Please fax or mail a volunteer questionnaire form with the dates you are available to participate.  If space is available, you will receive confirmation to participate on a cruise.  The Volunteer Questionnaire and must be sent to:

            Katherine Sowers                                    
            National Marine Fisheries Service                Phone:  508-495-2342
            166 Water Street                                        Fax:     508-495-2115
            Woods Hole, MA  02543 
    
3.  Once you receive confirmation that you are scheduled for a cruise, submit a medical form that lists all medical conditions to the Health Services Office.

As noted on the health form, you must have a negative PPD (TB) test (taken within the last 12 months). Additionally, you must have a current Tetanus shot (received within the last 10 years).  If either is out of date, you will need to obtain them at your expense.  If you have a new TB test or Tetanus shot scheduled, please note the date on your medical form, rather than leaving it blank.  Medical clearance must be completed and confirmed two weeks prior to the scheduled departure date.  Please contact the Health Services Office for the status of your medical clearance. 

            NOAA Health Services Office
            Phone: 757-441-6320
            FAX: 757-441-3760
            E-mail:  moa.health.services@noaa.gov

4. To meet security requirements, all confirmed participants must agree to be fingerprinted before arrival.  This can be accomplished at your local police station and may require a minimal fee at your expense.  Materials and instructions will be sent to you.

2012 Spring Cruise Schedule

Please note that the identified regions are where we anticipate to sample:  environmental or mechanical problems may force us to change the area of operation.

Survey/Dates                                Days at Sea               Survey Area
        
Spring Bottom Trawl Survey (FSV Henry B. Bigelow)
Leg 1:  February 27 – March 15             18                    Cape May – Cape Hatteras
Leg 2:  March 19 – 29                           11                    Mid-Atlantic - S New England
Leg 3:  April 2 – 20*                              19                    S New England - Georges Bank
Leg 4:  April 24 – May 5*                       12                    Gulf of Maine


Summer Cruise Staffing begins, March 2012

Sea Scallop Survey (RV Hugh R. Sharp)
Three cruise legs (1st week of June to early July)

* Passport may be required
Thank you!
We look forward to hearing from you.

--
Katherine Sowers
Cruise Staffing Coordinator
Northeast Fisheries Science Center
166 Water Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
508-495-2342
fax: 508-495-2115

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